"Some people say life is the thing, but I prefer reading"
- Logan Pearsall Smith

Sunday, June 12, 2016

Sunday Poetry - Eleanor Farjeon

Yesterday was a very cold day; winter has finally begun & it was a day of bitter winds & showers with even a little hail. Just as well it was Saturday & I was home all day to keep the house warm, dry & snug. I took Lucky to the vet for her flu vaccination first thing - which is a tale in itself. I had made an appointment to take both cats for the vaccination last Monday. When I arrived home from work, Phoebe was there but psychic Lucky was nowhere to be seen. I called, I searched, I rattled the nibbles bag - nothing. I think my mistake was getting the cat carriers out, ready to go, before I went to work. Lucky is a wary soul & made herself scarce. Of course, when Phoebe & I returned from the vet, who should come sauntering towards us, looking completely unconcerned & wanting her dinner?
So, I had to make another appointment.

After I brought Lucky home, I went to the farmers market, the greengrocer (for the things I couldn't find at the market) & then home. After a bit of housework, I made coffee, sat down to read Genji & before too long, Lucky was on my lap & Phoebe was in one of her favourite spots, on the top of the chair behind my head & they didn't move very much for the rest of the day.
It reminded me of Eleanor Farjeon's poem, Cats Sleep Anywhere.

Cats sleep, anywhere,Any table, any chairTop of piano, window-ledge,In the middle, on the edge,Open drawer, empty shoe,Anybody's lap will do,Fitted in a cardboard box,In the cupboard, with your frocks-Anywhere! They don't care!Cats sleep anywhere.

As soon as I saw the first photo I knew it had to be this poem! It's wonderful, and so true. We've had two cats over the years, and favourite sleeping spot for both of them was perched on top of the garden fence!